The Context of Condom Use Among Young Adults in the Philippines: Implications for HIV Prevention

Abstract

We examine current perceptions and constraints surrounding condom use among young adults in the Philippines to garner a deeper contextual understanding of this aspect of HIV prevention within Filipino society. Through thematic analysis of focus group data, we found three broad themes, all of which include societal and individual barriers to using condoms. The findings may provide insight for similar settings in which religion has a strong influence on society. To strengthen HIV prevention efforts in such settings, we suggest that the development of strategies to address these constraints and promote healthy sexuality in young adults is essential.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the staff at the Office of Population Studies at the University of San Carlos in the Philippines for their valuable assistance. This research was sponsored by the AIDS Research Training, HIV/AIDS Health Disparities Center for Mental Health Research on AIDS in the National Institute of Mental Health (grant # F31MH094766) and by a research award from the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society. The views expressed in this document are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, the U.S. National Institutes of Health, or the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society.